There is nothing better than sometimes escaping reality - and this seems like the logical explanation for weekends.

So while Deb trekked to Perth with a few of her girlfriends I took the kids in the opposite direction for some camping R&R - Dad-style. We piled the '75 Kombi up with all manner of goodies; foodstuffs that require extra dental maintenance, tent & sleeping bags and enough water to see us through our 24 hour getaway.

An hour or so later we found ourselves bumping around a highly corrugated dirt road, stopping only to put the sliding door back on and re-adjust the luggage. And once the two younguns had wiped away the last of their tears for fear of being sucked out the void that once held the door, we arrived at our wonderful camping grounds.

Nestled amongst a grove of peppermint trees, which were overshadowed by the towering karri, we started our campfire and began sorting ourselves out. Tent first, then chairs, then dinner. Logical. Ordered. Supremely methodical - like a well-oiled machine (unlike the Kombi).

After tucking the kids in bed for the night and sharing nightmare-inducing stories, two brushtail possums decided to visit. Well, the kids weren't about to miss this for quids so up they got and fed them with scraps of bread. I know the signs say not to feed the possums, but I think they mean the other possums, for these ones seemed delighted with our gifts.

Saturday morning saw the obligatory walk through the forest with Dad and new camera in tow. Those poor children will remember their early years the same way I remember my mother with a pair of secateurs in her hand.

Spring had passed so there wasn't much to tickle a flower-hungry photographer. However, this soft white seed covered the bush. An obviously well adapted climber, it would often just dangle from the understorey treetops like a mat of old lady hair. It was completely beautiful and as soft as it looks. I'm not sure what it is, and it might even be some rogue invasive weed, but it was pretty nonetheless.

Then the two youngest were pining for Mum and home so we packed up camp and sauntered off . Did they enjoy themselves? They sure did.

And once home, I was able to spend a few hours working through shredding some of the prunings pile. Back to reality.